HEALTH AND SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION: WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS?

WHY OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY IS ONE OF OUR TOP CONCERNS?

The construction industry is one of the industries that have a large number of personnel involved, which is closely associated with technique, technology, art and science. Along with that, the construction industry has the second highest risk rate of occupational safety in all sectors according to the 2020 statistics of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. Understanding that importance, we always try to innovate the working environment, upgrade tools, system investment, level up the HSSE team that deployed with the Slogan "Safe To Return" is also our top goal that human civilization is aiming for, at the same time, it is also a commitment from the Board of Directors to pay special attention for occupational safety and hygiene.

COMMON ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION - THE MAIN CAUSE

Occupational safety can be understood as a synthesis of measures and methods in order to prevent and to stave-off accidents and incidents in work and labor. Good implementation of occupational safety will help to minimize the risks of injury, damage to people and property in which bring back a safe working environment to maximize productivity for workers. But besides that, some common hazards on the construction site such as:

1. Fall accidents: Falling from height for 1/3 of all deaths on construction site. It is known that the cause of this incident often comes from technical errors when installing scaffolding, working without a working floor, floor openings, open walls or not complying with labor protection regulations when working at the site, especially working at high altitude without protective belts, not complying with the 3-point rule when moving ... these are the most common risks at construction site. Sliding or falling: take for 20% of non-fatal injuries.
2. Falling objects: Working on the ground or lower floors are hit by free falling objects such as bricks, tiles, tools, working equipment and many other heavy and sharp objects while not wearing protective gear (clothing, hats, shoes, boots ...) or wearing but the quality is not guaranteed, carrying the wrong way easily leads to accidents, light scratches, broken arms, broken legs, severely can lead to injury. The cause may be carelessness in the use and grip when building on high floor, construction items are not firmly anchored, equipment / installation components are not sufficiently linked. The construction area is not fully fenced, workers do not understand the dangers, arbitrarily enter the construction areas with danger warnings, gather supplies on the edge of the border (floor edge, scaffolding cover ...). Using raw materials, scaffolding or any poor quality construction items and equipment ... are the main causes of accidents.
3. Electric shock: Electric shock is the cause of seriousness that can cause death to common people at the site, only after accidents caused by falling. Since electrical equipment is not checked for input, good periodically and using electrical equipment in wet conditions. Electrical cabinets are not connected to the location, the power cord is not guaranteed, arbitrarily connecting electrical equipment when not assigned and not knowledgeable about electricity ... is the main reason of all the most common electrical problems today.
4. Injuries caused by collapse: If the construction works are technically wrong, built with poor quality materials, incorrectly installed scaffolding, materials are dug and applied too close to the excavation pit, it will be very easy to collapse, fall freely causing injury to everyone. Statistics show that the lethal risk to construction workers who are working on construction works with tunnels, ditches and trenches is 112% higher than in other areas.
5. Accidents caused by heavy equipment and machinery: - Fire and explosion: The works are not fully equipped with fire protection systems, the causes of fire and explosion such as: fire due to electrical shortage, fire from cigarette but to remnants where there are many flammable objects or fire incidents from any instrument , electrical equipment, chemical that can be happen accidents. As a result, the building is damaged, the health and safety of workers is threatened. - Sinkhole + Enclosed space: The shoring system is not warned, manholes, excavation pits, openings are not shielded in time, the excavation plan is not passed. Working in an environment that is lacking in nutrients, the environment exists toxic gases, lack of air, light, work for a long time ... are the main causes of accidents. - MMTB and operators: MMTB usage is not subject to periodical maintenance inspection, MMTB without inspection, overdue inspection or cases where MMTB is not actually inspected. MMTB operators are ignorance, do not comply with the manufacturer's recommendations, use MMTB improperly function, overload, reach too far, use cables that are not guaranteed ... are the main causes of serious accidents.

Therefore, following the strict control procedures according to the ISO 45001 system, where the safety legislation is applied and controlled through a set of enforcement forms, which is a prerequisite for every project and top priority in every initial project implementation plan through the implementation of safety measures in which ensure the employees are always safe, creating trust for customers. In order to implement an international standard ISO system, Top Management must demonstrate leadership and commitment to the OH&S management system by:

• Take overall responsibility and accountability for preventing injury and ill health and providing safe, healthy environments and operations;
• Ensure the policy and related OH&S objectives which are established and correspond to the strategic direction of the business;
• Ensure the integration of OH&S system requirements with the organization's business processes;
• Ensure the availability of necessary resources to develop, implement, maintain and improve the OH&S management system.

RISK-BASED INSPECTION BEFORE STARTING WORK

In order to ensure the safety of workers during construction, we are aware of the potential risks and hazards for each item which need to be strictly controlled.

Divisons, occupational safety and health division will participate in the planning stage to ensure the workers's health which is the top factor, associated with the project. Workers must be provided with adequate safety working equipment with appropriate workflows in both of space and time. If the prediction cannot be guaranteed to be safe, the manager must change the method of implementation.

HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

Our intended goal and measure of success that the completion of a project without any incidents. The personnel in charge of safety, health and environment (HSSE) will be responsible for training and guiding employees to understand the basic principles before they work on site. A safety officer is someone who understands the principles of implementation and how to handle problems. All activities take place at the site must be recorded in the form of site logs, positively approach and practice the modern technology so that all employees can use the technology in emergency situations smothly to report incidents as quickly as possible, most accurately.

WEARING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AS USAGE HABIT

Besides the experience and appropriate professional skills, workers must be trained and equipped and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform their duties safely. Wearing of protective equipment before entering the site needs to be practice professionally. If protective equipment is lacking, the worker must notify and request the division in charge to provide rapidly. If protective equipment is not provided in time, workers may be entitled to stop working to ensure safety.